Rabbi Billet filling an international post

Rabbi Hershel Billet of the Young Israel of Woodmere has been appointed to the United States Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad by Senator Charles Schumer.

“For more than three decades, Rabbi Billet has been a pillar of the Jewish community in New York and is known for his steadfast spiritual leadership among both his congregants and peers,” Schumer said in a prepared statement. “Because of his moral values, knowledge and commitment to people of all backgrounds, I am confident that Rabbi Billet is an exceptional choice to serve” on the commission.

In his statement, Rabbi Billet said, “The USA is made up of citizens who represent a melting pot of people from different ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds. We are all united as Americans but we are also all unique because of our diversity. We must never forget from where each of us has come. Therefore, it is a great a great honor to be nominated to serve.”

An independent agency, the 21-member panel has two core missions: to identify and report on cemeteries, monuments and historic buildings in Eastern and Central Europe that are associated with the heritage of U.S. citizens, particularly endangered properties; and to obtain, in cooperation with the Department of State, assurances from the governments of the countries in which the properties are located that the properties will be protected and preserved. — Jeffrey Bessen